Manny Pacquiao: Boxing or Politics or Both?

Manny Pacquiao eventually decided to run for public office seeking the South Cotabato congressional seat with his mother's blessing. He was with Ilocus Sur Gov. Chavit Singson when he filed his candidacy. Should he win, Pacquiao confirmed that he will retire from boxing. If he does good as a public servant, a higher position in government may not be denied.

Comelec Chairman Abalos warned Pacquiao though that he may have a problem as he has three residential locations that he admitted under oath. The Palace is certainly supportive of it and Pacquiao believes that he may be able to bring his district closer to the government. To avoid speculation that President Arroyo made him run, he joined the Liberal Party-Atienza Wing instead of the President's political party.

His political moves affected his supposedly fight schedule with Jorge Solis. Although his political opponents are already crying foul should the fight continue as this would him unfair publicity mileage. An analyst keeps the boxing fire alive by suggesting potential fight match-ups. Win or lose, he is scheduled to fly to New York this June to claim the BWAA fighter of the year.

To our readers, what do you think? Should Pacquiao pursue this political path (he can still back out you know) or just focus in boxing?

Manny Pacquiao's dilemma almost over?

Manny Pacquiao's year-ender and new year starter shows how the pressure, overwhelming attention, and confusion catched up with him. He was recently confined for stomach problems and it's good that doctors gave him a thumbs up signal for his overall health.

Talks about his next fight with WBC featherweight champ In Jin Chi in Macau, scheduled for April 28, is almost final according to Bob Arum. That is assuming they'll be able to talk soon. It is great to see Manny once again fight an Asian fighter. It tends to get tiring seeing the Mexican fighters too much, as if they are all ganging up on him. (or the other way around?)

Manny Pacquiao's recent fight exposure and pressures is taking a lot on him to the point that some boxing trainer is predicting that his skill and stamina will wind down in 2 years. For now, he is seen as boxing's savior.